Winnipeg firefighters battle a fire at Canad Inns Stadium, former home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers near Polo Park around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Radio reports indicate black plumes of smoke were visible from all corners of the city. The blaze destroyed a storage shed in the southeast corner of the stadium. (JESSICA BURTNICK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

A burning shed at Canad Inns Stadium proved to be a challenge for firefighters Tuesday evening.

The shed fire sent a tower of black smoke into the sky over the stadium beginning at about 7:45 p.m. But it became more than a routine shed fire when firefighters learned there were two 500-gallon tanks of gasoline behind the shed, according to a source at the scene.

The danger forced firefighters to move back about 30 metres and use an aerial ladder to fight the flames, which burned strongly because the shed contained artificial turf.

By 8:40 p.m., the shed on the southeast corner of the stadium site was completely engulfed in flames and the roof had collapsed.

The stadium, located north of Polo Park Shopping Centre, is the former home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The CFL team will play in a new stadium on the University of Manitoba campus this season.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments.
All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments.
All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.